This, that and the other (may contain nuts)http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/en-usFri, 21 Nov 2008 11:57:54 +0100 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:57:54 +0100 Andrew Tjecklowsky Wishing I could translate an attached image into binary like you can with a standard file http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/wishing-i-could-translate-an-attached-image-into-binary-like-you-can-with-a-standard-file?opendocument&comments#21-11-2008115754XPHG2R.htm Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:41:29 +0100 Andrew Frayling Quickplace to CD archiving
Did you ever get anywhere with this? I have the same requirement for being able to archive an entire Quickplace to CD without needing Domino to view, but struggling to find a solution.

Thanks,

Andrew.]]>
Did you ever get anywhere with this? I have the same requirement for being able to archive an entire Quickplace to CD without needing Domino to view, but struggling to find a solution.

Thanks,

Andrew.]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/10022005203309SCAS72.htm?opendocument&comments#11202008084129PMXPHS9Y.htm Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:51:49 +0100 Sebastien Boisvert Domino Blog Theme editing and Tag Library
I would like to know what you think would be the best approach to put the blog template multi-language.

I need to put some french and english documents.

Knowing that you build that template , any opinion on the easiest way to accomplish this ?

Thanks a lot, very good job !!

Sebastien]]>
I would like to know what you think would be the best approach to put the blog template multi-language.

I need to put some french and english documents.

Knowing that you build that template , any opinion on the easiest way to accomplish this ?

Thanks a lot, very good job !!

Sebastien]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/domino-blog-theme-editing-and-tag-library?opendocument&comments#11172008095149PMXPHTMX.htm Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:13:11 +0100 Stewart Robertson Domino Admin Question - Prevent outbound email reply when user does not exist http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/domino-admin-question-outbound-email-when-user-does-not-exist?opendocument&comments#11172008071311PMXPHQJS.htm Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:03:14 AM +0100 Steve Castledine Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#17112008110314AMSCAEYS.htm Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:06:56 +0100 Keith Brooks Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source
Yes I should have a developer handle any major work on one, but when I need to play with a template because someone has an idea and its on openntf, i should be able to make it work right away.

Usually that has not been the case.

And as you know with the blog template, those of us out here really appreciate your effort to put some docs down in writing. It's a painful database to figure our blind.

The wiki one is similar. they are offical templates but lack any real guidance. Earlier templates were VERY simple and in some cases repetitive but you could make it work well easily and customized simply.

Remember I'm an admin at heart not a developer.

I know admins don't matter much for this discussion, but wanted to leave my input to let you know your effort has been appreciated, but we could always use more support for these things.]]>
Yes I should have a developer handle any major work on one, but when I need to play with a template because someone has an idea and its on openntf, i should be able to make it work right away.

Usually that has not been the case.

And as you know with the blog template, those of us out here really appreciate your effort to put some docs down in writing. It's a painful database to figure our blind.

The wiki one is similar. they are offical templates but lack any real guidance. Earlier templates were VERY simple and in some cases repetitive but you could make it work well easily and customized simply.

Remember I'm an admin at heart not a developer.

I know admins don't matter much for this discussion, but wanted to leave my input to let you know your effort has been appreciated, but we could always use more support for these things.]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#11132008020656AMXPH4HD.htm Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:43:28 +0100 George Paglia Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source
Do templates help? YES. It's spelled RAD - rapid application design (and deployment). Whenever possible, I whip out a simple project database (our design), discussion database or team room from a template in 5 minutes or less, just to name a few. This helps reduce our products' time-to-market, steamline our ability to communicate with vendors, and keep the quality of our products high.

My answers to your questions:

1) A resounding YES - I'll take any support anywhere I can get it. - my engineers would love it too

2) Again YES - not enough people here realize that it's Notes that keeps the organization glued - Notes provides the code that stops stuff from falling between the cracks, and we do a lot of it with templates (keep it simple). The more we do, the more Notes will be recognized as the reason for our success.

3) Some users here can create new apps (mostly engineers), but even the ones who can't come to me to ask which solution or template is best for them. Again, anything would help

4) I have no issues letting our folks using other templates, as long as they are supported or I can support them easily (heck, I've got to fix Lotus' shortcomings on built-in templates now and then). The issue I have found is either a lack of useful function (for us) and a lack of clear help text. The stuff Lotus puts out is easy to fix. When someone puts out a template that is more complex, it takes more time to run thru it and change it. IBM support would be helpful, yes.

5) We rarely use ISVs, so no comment

6) Not sure if I would ever contribute to this.

One final Note. Lotus has a great little tool called Lotus Workflow which allows a developer (or user) to create fairly complex applications simply by mapping it out in a flow charting tool. It's a wonderful environment to work with, and has saved us tons of time and money. You should look at pushing this app also since it reduces development time significantly. In conjuction with a template, it can be awesome!!]]>
Do templates help? YES. It's spelled RAD - rapid application design (and deployment). Whenever possible, I whip out a simple project database (our design), discussion database or team room from a template in 5 minutes or less, just to name a few. This helps reduce our products' time-to-market, steamline our ability to communicate with vendors, and keep the quality of our products high.

My answers to your questions:

1) A resounding YES - I'll take any support anywhere I can get it. - my engineers would love it too

2) Again YES - not enough people here realize that it's Notes that keeps the organization glued - Notes provides the code that stops stuff from falling between the cracks, and we do a lot of it with templates (keep it simple). The more we do, the more Notes will be recognized as the reason for our success.

3) Some users here can create new apps (mostly engineers), but even the ones who can't come to me to ask which solution or template is best for them. Again, anything would help

4) I have no issues letting our folks using other templates, as long as they are supported or I can support them easily (heck, I've got to fix Lotus' shortcomings on built-in templates now and then). The issue I have found is either a lack of useful function (for us) and a lack of clear help text. The stuff Lotus puts out is easy to fix. When someone puts out a template that is more complex, it takes more time to run thru it and change it. IBM support would be helpful, yes.

5) We rarely use ISVs, so no comment

6) Not sure if I would ever contribute to this.

One final Note. Lotus has a great little tool called Lotus Workflow which allows a developer (or user) to create fairly complex applications simply by mapping it out in a flow charting tool. It's a wonderful environment to work with, and has saved us tons of time and money. You should look at pushing this app also since it reduces development time significantly. In conjuction with a template, it can be awesome!!]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#11122008074328PMXPHR5Q.htm Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:48:48 +0100 Kevin Mort Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source
Excellent subject.

As I posted on Ed's blog, I'll toss out that in-the-box templates are absolutely necessary. They add a huge amount of value to the Domino platform.

I do believe everything that's currently in the catalog needs to have it's update work completed so they have that slick Notes 8/web look & feel to them.

Some templates have seen work, and IIRC 8.5 sees even more of that complete.

As far as OpenSource/OpenNTF, I think developers or those very familiar with the community are perfectly fine with using them.

However, there are many who are not. Having templates be "owned" by Lotus directly is seen as easier to trust.

I'll also echo the comment that the templates provided should be real workable solutions, not just samples.]]>
Excellent subject.

As I posted on Ed's blog, I'll toss out that in-the-box templates are absolutely necessary. They add a huge amount of value to the Domino platform.

I do believe everything that's currently in the catalog needs to have it's update work completed so they have that slick Notes 8/web look & feel to them.

Some templates have seen work, and IIRC 8.5 sees even more of that complete.

As far as OpenSource/OpenNTF, I think developers or those very familiar with the community are perfectly fine with using them.

However, there are many who are not. Having templates be "owned" by Lotus directly is seen as easier to trust.

I'll also echo the comment that the templates provided should be real workable solutions, not just samples.]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#11122008024848PMXPHKDK.htm Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:55:43 AM +0100 Steve Castledine Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source
Thomas - probably a poor choice of words on my part. There was no desire to limit the "scope".]]>
Thomas - probably a poor choice of words on my part. There was no desire to limit the "scope".]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#12112008105543AMSCAEU3.htm Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:53:43 +0100 Thomas Schulte Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source
There is one thing in your post that makes me really think. This is the sentence "So I'm asking an open question really on people's thoughts on the current templates and how we could best improve on them,..."

So if i interpreted you right, the borders are set to the "currently available templates". That would mean no "help/servicedesk/problem tracking" application. And none of the other good stuff which can be found at all the places Kevin and Bruce also have pointed too in their presentations.

This would limit your point number 3, because just having all of those looking and feeling the same way and perhaps doing some new tricks would not really get you more mindshare in the executives brain.

For the rest i think Kevin gave quite a good answer in his two posts.]]>
There is one thing in your post that makes me really think. This is the sentence "So I'm asking an open question really on people's thoughts on the current templates and how we could best improve on them,..."

So if i interpreted you right, the borders are set to the "currently available templates". That would mean no "help/servicedesk/problem tracking" application. And none of the other good stuff which can be found at all the places Kevin and Bruce also have pointed too in their presentations.

This would limit your point number 3, because just having all of those looking and feeling the same way and perhaps doing some new tricks would not really get you more mindshare in the executives brain.

For the rest i think Kevin gave quite a good answer in his two posts.]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#11.11.2008205343XPHSHM.htm Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:28:11 +0100 Kevin Pettitt Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source
NOTE: Many of the ideas contained in the answers below feature prominently in the "Templates, Templates, Everywhere - If You Know Where To Look" session that Bruce Elgort and I have given at Lotusphere and ILUG. Details here: { Link }

1) If template features were missing and they could be delivered...via lower support level outlets...?

Not sure if I understand precisely the question - are you thinking in terms of IBM-supplied or perhaps IBM-certified features (presumable design elements/collections). Something like an IBM moderated version of OpenNTF?

2) Do more template's translate into higher visibility for Notes/Domino and create more development opportunities within your organisations?

No Question. The more examples that demonstrate real functionality that allows end users and decision makers to "get it", the better.

3) How can templates receive higher visibility within your organisation... Would a template wizard that was "one click" to create solutions make an impact instead of "File > Application > New blah blah"?

Template Wizard? My just released SuperNTF (0.9.7d) template ({ Link } ) has a super-simple "Create a New Application from this Template" feature that you can click on from the launch page when you open the template (See { Link } for a screenshot).

This approach is something that I think would work well for ANY template, because a) the user has a chance to browse the template before deciding they want to create a new app with it, b) the routine takes care of little details like configuring the ACL to ensure the user/developer has all the right roles, which often trips people up, and c) the user is automatically prompted to sign the template when they first open it (not something IBM would need to worry about with templates signed by Lotus Notes Template Development).

If you have a spare 5-10 minutes that's all you would need to see this work, from download to new app.

4) What's your organisations take on open source templates, say at openntf...

For the most part my clients would never be aware of or make use of open source templates if I were not around. This is more a function of IBM having lost mindshare over the last 7-8 years among decision makers, for all the well-known reasons. For this to change, the IBM reps for these organizations need to take a lead role in raising awareness of, if not advocating for, the benefits of all these templates. If the process of evaluating and deploying them can be made easy, more the better.

Keep in mind that the challenge is different for long-time customers that have formulated a strong, and sadly often negative, opinion of Notes' application capabilities. In some cases the "Notes Developers" have been assimilated into .Net and may not be in a position to advocate to the boss. You'll have to go top down in those cases.

5) Can open source go too far and have the reverse effect by "strangling" ISV's ...?

It CAN go too far but I think for the most part they only benefit commercial vendors by raising awareness that Notes is a good platform for these applications. A basic template from IBM in a given category can get a customer only so far, at which point they might look for more powerful commercial offerings. Per question 1, I could see a market for compatible "extensions" to IBM templates, which would have the added bonus, potentially, of an easy upgrade path.

6) Commercial templates - If it was easy to get recognised, would people add their templates to a template catalogue if...?

Vendors love exposure, especially if its free, and there are tons of examples of this on OpenNTF, where "lite" or "base" versions of applications are offered in the hopes of making money from add-ons or consulting. (Shameless plug - SuperNTF is an example of this strategy)]]>
NOTE: Many of the ideas contained in the answers below feature prominently in the "Templates, Templates, Everywhere - If You Know Where To Look" session that Bruce Elgort and I have given at Lotusphere and ILUG. Details here: { Link }

1) If template features were missing and they could be delivered...via lower support level outlets...?

Not sure if I understand precisely the question - are you thinking in terms of IBM-supplied or perhaps IBM-certified features (presumable design elements/collections). Something like an IBM moderated version of OpenNTF?

2) Do more template's translate into higher visibility for Notes/Domino and create more development opportunities within your organisations?

No Question. The more examples that demonstrate real functionality that allows end users and decision makers to "get it", the better.

3) How can templates receive higher visibility within your organisation... Would a template wizard that was "one click" to create solutions make an impact instead of "File > Application > New blah blah"?

Template Wizard? My just released SuperNTF (0.9.7d) template ({ Link } ) has a super-simple "Create a New Application from this Template" feature that you can click on from the launch page when you open the template (See { Link } for a screenshot).

This approach is something that I think would work well for ANY template, because a) the user has a chance to browse the template before deciding they want to create a new app with it, b) the routine takes care of little details like configuring the ACL to ensure the user/developer has all the right roles, which often trips people up, and c) the user is automatically prompted to sign the template when they first open it (not something IBM would need to worry about with templates signed by Lotus Notes Template Development).

If you have a spare 5-10 minutes that's all you would need to see this work, from download to new app.

4) What's your organisations take on open source templates, say at openntf...

For the most part my clients would never be aware of or make use of open source templates if I were not around. This is more a function of IBM having lost mindshare over the last 7-8 years among decision makers, for all the well-known reasons. For this to change, the IBM reps for these organizations need to take a lead role in raising awareness of, if not advocating for, the benefits of all these templates. If the process of evaluating and deploying them can be made easy, more the better.

Keep in mind that the challenge is different for long-time customers that have formulated a strong, and sadly often negative, opinion of Notes' application capabilities. In some cases the "Notes Developers" have been assimilated into .Net and may not be in a position to advocate to the boss. You'll have to go top down in those cases.

5) Can open source go too far and have the reverse effect by "strangling" ISV's ...?

It CAN go too far but I think for the most part they only benefit commercial vendors by raising awareness that Notes is a good platform for these applications. A basic template from IBM in a given category can get a customer only so far, at which point they might look for more powerful commercial offerings. Per question 1, I could see a market for compatible "extensions" to IBM templates, which would have the added bonus, potentially, of an easy upgrade path.

6) Commercial templates - If it was easy to get recognised, would people add their templates to a template catalogue if...?

Vendors love exposure, especially if its free, and there are tons of examples of this on OpenNTF, where "lite" or "base" versions of applications are offered in the hopes of making money from add-ons or consulting. (Shameless plug - SuperNTF is an example of this strategy)]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#11112008062811PMXPHPNN.htm Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:56:15 +0100 John Head Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source
I do not want sample apps that can not be used in the real world. So instead of giving me 40 samples, give me 10 real world, usable templates please.]]>
I do not want sample apps that can not be used in the real world. So instead of giving me 40 samples, give me 10 real world, usable templates please.]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#11112008045615PMXPHMV8.htm Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:23:26 +0100 Kevin Pettitt Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source
A topic near and dear to my heart. I blogged in some detail last year about "What New Templates Would I Like to See Shipped With Domino" ( { Link } ) so I've given this topic quite a bit of thought. From that posting, here is a list of principles for IBM to use when developing templates:

1 - All web facing templates should adhere to some sort of standard CSS structure similar to the way Blogsphere "skins" work. Not sure how the Notes 8 client does "styles" but the principle should apply there too.

2 - Sametime integration should be standard, but should also be taken to logical extremes. Presence awareness is great, but so is providing easy ways to schedule online team meetings from within "team focused" templates.

3 - Templates should be integrated with each other wherever it makes sense to do so. A good example would be clicking on a document submitter's name to see their employee profile in the Employee Directory.

4 - Templates should share as much underlying code as possible. Not only will this make it easier for developers in the field to "decode the code", but it will make updates to the templates that much easier for IBM. It will also make it easier for IBM to standardize various UI elements across various databases, making user training easier.

5 - Templates should be built under the assumption that they will be customized. Cleanly written, well commented code and form notes are essential. Rocky's session on Writing Readable Code provides a good foundation for this approach.

6 - All templates should provide RSS feeds/hooks wherever appropriate. Security would need to be maintained, so this could prove challenging in some cases.

7 - IBM should not be afraid to step on the toes of business partners with products in these categories. Many of these templates [the ones I list on my blog entry] are central to what Notes is all about, so at least *some* sort of usable example template needs to be included. The selling point for partners needs to be clearly communicated, and it is this: They will benefit more from the increased adoption of Notes as an application platform than they will suffer from lost sales. Even in an overlap situation, the "basic" IBM template that got them started may no longer meet their needs, so they go looking for better ones at that point.

8 - The question of what templates to offer should be informed by what Microsoft is shipping with Sharepoint, as well as what other vendors (e.g. Zimbra) might offer.

I'll address your specific theme questions in a separate comment...]]>
A topic near and dear to my heart. I blogged in some detail last year about "What New Templates Would I Like to See Shipped With Domino" ( { Link } ) so I've given this topic quite a bit of thought. From that posting, here is a list of principles for IBM to use when developing templates:

1 - All web facing templates should adhere to some sort of standard CSS structure similar to the way Blogsphere "skins" work. Not sure how the Notes 8 client does "styles" but the principle should apply there too.

2 - Sametime integration should be standard, but should also be taken to logical extremes. Presence awareness is great, but so is providing easy ways to schedule online team meetings from within "team focused" templates.

3 - Templates should be integrated with each other wherever it makes sense to do so. A good example would be clicking on a document submitter's name to see their employee profile in the Employee Directory.

4 - Templates should share as much underlying code as possible. Not only will this make it easier for developers in the field to "decode the code", but it will make updates to the templates that much easier for IBM. It will also make it easier for IBM to standardize various UI elements across various databases, making user training easier.

5 - Templates should be built under the assumption that they will be customized. Cleanly written, well commented code and form notes are essential. Rocky's session on Writing Readable Code provides a good foundation for this approach.

6 - All templates should provide RSS feeds/hooks wherever appropriate. Security would need to be maintained, so this could prove challenging in some cases.

7 - IBM should not be afraid to step on the toes of business partners with products in these categories. Many of these templates [the ones I list on my blog entry] are central to what Notes is all about, so at least *some* sort of usable example template needs to be included. The selling point for partners needs to be clearly communicated, and it is this: They will benefit more from the increased adoption of Notes as an application platform than they will suffer from lost sales. Even in an overlap situation, the "basic" IBM template that got them started may no longer meet their needs, so they go looking for better ones at that point.

8 - The question of what templates to offer should be informed by what Microsoft is shipping with Sharepoint, as well as what other vendors (e.g. Zimbra) might offer.

I'll address your specific theme questions in a separate comment...]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#11112008042326PMXPHM8P.htm Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:17:56 +0100 Peter Presnell Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source
The iPhone's application store provides an excellent example of how one-click access to both free (e.g. OpenNTF) and commercial add-ons can extend current functionality.]]>
The iPhone's application store provides an excellent example of how one-click access to both free (e.g. OpenNTF) and commercial add-ons can extend current functionality.]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#11112008041756PMXPHM59.htm Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:18:04 +0100 Declan Lynch Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source
In terms of distribution of fixes and updates I would suggest having a separate download site on notes.net ( or whatever it's being called today ) that can house updated templates. A new build of Domino would pull in the latest template pack and as things are updated, fixed etc new template pack builds are put on the site for easy access.]]>
In terms of distribution of fixes and updates I would suggest having a separate download site on notes.net ( or whatever it's being called today ) that can house updated templates. A new build of Domino would pull in the latest template pack and as things are updated, fixed etc new template pack builds are put on the site for easy access.]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#11112008021804PMXPHJSC.htm Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:00:55 +0100 JYR Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source
About the visibilty of Notes and Domino, It's hard to sell something when you don't have something to show to your customers. It would be great to have "out of the box" application.

At all my clients's site, users are not allowed to create applications. How to get a greater visibilty for templates....hum,. very good questions.

We would need a way to reach the end users, application should not be an buzz form the IT team. It's the end user who will use them. But sometimes, organization don't want to deploy new applications because they don't want to support them.

About open source templates the main hurdle ,that I see, is related to support. I can deploy the application, but who will support it. The internal support team? An external team?

JYR]]>
About the visibilty of Notes and Domino, It's hard to sell something when you don't have something to show to your customers. It would be great to have "out of the box" application.

At all my clients's site, users are not allowed to create applications. How to get a greater visibilty for templates....hum,. very good questions.

We would need a way to reach the end users, application should not be an buzz form the IT team. It's the end user who will use them. But sometimes, organization don't want to deploy new applications because they don't want to support them.

About open source templates the main hurdle ,that I see, is related to support. I can deploy the application, but who will support it. The internal support team? An external team?

JYR]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#11112008140055XPHJFP.htm Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:00:53 +0100 Helen 08700 426655 http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/16092005105627SCADNU.htm?opendocument&comments#11112008140053XPHJFL.htm Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:48:24 +0100 JYR Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source
A similar posts, with great comments

{ Link }

JYR]]>
A similar posts, with great comments

{ Link }

JYR]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#11112008134824XPHJ7T.htm Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:34:45 +0100 Jan Schulz Lotus Notes Domino templates and open source
1.) Yes, they would: as long as the funktionality works in most cases (like the quality of solutions on ONTF) we would use it. For example I'm dying to get my hands on the new wiki apps as they promise to have wiki style editing and "networks" together with notes capabilities (offline, doclinks).

2.) More good templates are definitely a way to get more persons to "like" N/D. I think it would be a great thing to get a "basic" solution for more basic problems directly from IBM: a small homepage (extra and intra) useable for "non tech people", a wiki (like above), some kind of knowledge management solution (better than doclibs and teamrooms), a teammailfile (without "sender" visible) and so on. I think there are many more such problems.

It's not so much a problem with support but with "works" and "feels nice": ONTF solution most of the time feel different, but at least the new official templates (mailfile, blog, ...) have the same look and feel and it would be nice to have more of them.

3.) Something to show whats possible to the user would be great. Most of the time the user simple does not know whats there and so does not ask... Our users have no admin rights in servers and thats a good thing... :-)

4.) we take what we can... ONTF has some really great solutions.

5. I think (and it is a big guess... :-) that most companies do not make their profit by selling a package, but by costumizing and supporting it. "open" templates are in my opinion a great thing to show what you can do and gain entrance to companies which would otherwise not think about buying a basic solution but might buy a costumized version after seeing what is possible and what they miss.

So to sum it up: I would love to see more basic solutions for basic problems directly from IBM. And targeted on small companies and not big ones.]]>
1.) Yes, they would: as long as the funktionality works in most cases (like the quality of solutions on ONTF) we would use it. For example I'm dying to get my hands on the new wiki apps as they promise to have wiki style editing and "networks" together with notes capabilities (offline, doclinks).

2.) More good templates are definitely a way to get more persons to "like" N/D. I think it would be a great thing to get a "basic" solution for more basic problems directly from IBM: a small homepage (extra and intra) useable for "non tech people", a wiki (like above), some kind of knowledge management solution (better than doclibs and teamrooms), a teammailfile (without "sender" visible) and so on. I think there are many more such problems.

It's not so much a problem with support but with "works" and "feels nice": ONTF solution most of the time feel different, but at least the new official templates (mailfile, blog, ...) have the same look and feel and it would be nice to have more of them.

3.) Something to show whats possible to the user would be great. Most of the time the user simple does not know whats there and so does not ask... Our users have no admin rights in servers and thats a good thing... :-)

4.) we take what we can... ONTF has some really great solutions.

5. I think (and it is a big guess... :-) that most companies do not make their profit by selling a package, but by costumizing and supporting it. "open" templates are in my opinion a great thing to show what you can do and gain entrance to companies which would otherwise not think about buying a basic solution but might buy a costumized version after seeing what is possible and what they miss.

So to sum it up: I would love to see more basic solutions for basic problems directly from IBM. And targeted on small companies and not big ones.]]> http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/lotus-notes-domino-templates?opendocument&comments#11.11.2008133445XPHHXA.htm Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:45:54 +0100 Graham Speed Cameras http://www.stevecastledine.com/sc.nsf/dx/17052005222904SCAT73.htm?opendocument&comments#11112008114554XPHFT9.htm